Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more information about entering our competitions and what to do when you get selected as a finalist. If any of your questions aren’t answered or you need additional help, please contact us at info@playitstrange.org.nz

Can my song be on my own profile on Spotify/Apple Music etc?


Yes, when we release your song, we will link it to your existing artist profile or create a new one for you if one doesn’t exist. If you already have an artist profile, please send it to us when you receive the final master of your song so we can link it to the right account.

You are responsible for logging into your profile as the artist and changing any profile details (ie. photos, bio etc).

Only a name will be listed on Bandcamp and cannot be linked to any artist profile. If you have any questions or queries, please contact us at info@playitstrange.org.nz

Will I still own my song if it is recorded and published by Play It Strange on digital platforms?


Yes, the rights and ownership of the songs will remain with the composers. Any royalties made by the songs will go into funding future Play It Strange finalist recordings.

I’ve just been told I’m a finalist – what do I do now?


You will be emailed instructions on how to book your recording studio session. Please follow all instructions that get sent to you.

Can I release the song myself?


No, you will need to wait for us to release the song on an album.

As soon as we receive all of the recordings, we can finish the album and release it for you. This is why we ask you to record them as soon as possible, so we can release those albums as soon as possible! Once the album is released feel free to do as much promo about your song as you like.

When are winners notified?


Approximately 3-4 weeks after the competition closing date.

Can I enter if I am represented by a label?


If you are now represented by a label, congrats! Unfortunately, this means you are ineligible to receive any of the Play It Strange prizes.

Can I enter a song that has already been professionally recorded?


No, your song needs to be a new original song. If it is already on streaming platforms then the prize will be waived.

Can I enter my song into competitions run by other organisations? Ie. Smokefree Rockquest


Yes, but we would recommend checking with the rules of other organisations.

To enter for the Waiata Māori competition, does my song need to be completely in Te Reo?


No, you can use a mix of Te Reo and any other language in your song.

Can I submit the same song into different competitions?


No, if you choose to submit to more than one competition, your song for each comp must be different. However, if you entered the Junior Songwriting Competition and you were told you are not a finalist, then feel free to rework the song to enter it into one of the other competitions.

Do you accept songs in any language?


Yes, any language you like! In fact, we highly encourage you to write lyrics in different languages. You can choose to submit a copy of your lyric sheet in both the language of your song and English.If your song uses Te Reo Māori, you can enter it into the Waiata Māori competition.

Can I submit different songs to the same competition?


No, you can only submit one song to each competition.

How do I submit my song?


All you need to do is fill out the free online form, upload an MP3 file of your song, a lyric sheet, and your song will be submitted – easy as!

Do I have to pay to enter any of the competitions?


No, all of our competitions are free to enter! If you would like to receive feedback on your song from a judge, you can choose to pay $10 when you submit.

Can I record my song on my phone?


You can record your song in whatever way is most accessible to you. The quality of your recording is not taken into account in the judging process.

Can I submit on my own or with a band?


Either is completely fine! You can be a duo, trio, four-piece band, solo artist or anything you like.

Which competition should I enter?


If you are in secondary school between Years 9-13, you can enter any of our competitions! The Junior Competition is just for Years 9-11.

If you are no longer in high school, but still aged 17 and under, you can apply for our competitions.

Can my song have more than one writer?


Yes! You will need to list all writers on the entry form. All writers must be at secondary school, or aged 17 or under.

Can I have another vocalist sing my song?


Yes, anyone can sing/perform your song. If you are a finalist and chose to sing your song when you submitted it, but want someone else to sing it in the studio on your recording, that’s completely fine.

RESOURCES

The music industry can be challenging to navigate, especially for young musicians just starting out. If you know where to look, you’ll find that there are many wonderful people in Aotearoa offering immense support to our creative community, and that’s why we’ve put together this list of helpful resources!

Soundcheck Aotearoa

Resources, support, and initiatives to create an inclusive and respectful music community safe from discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and violence.

More info

Spotify for Artists

Customise your artist profile, track your streams and gain audience insights.

More info

SHAPRA

A free and confidential service for anyone affected by sexual harm in Aotearoa’s music community.

More info

NZ On Air

Supports the recording and promotion of single songs and multi-song projects that reflect Aotearoa and have the potential to reach significant broadcast and online audiences.

More info

Recorded Music NZ

Act on behalf of right holders to license music users and collect revenues to distribute to recording artists. They promote and celebrate recording artists through the Aotearoa Music Awards, the Official Aotearoa Music Charts, and the Te Whare Taonga Puoro o Aotearoa | NZ Music Hall of Fame.

More info

Music.NZ

A free online community to stay up to date on NZ music news. Their online directory has links for everything you can imagine; events, festivals, awards, funding, music education, photography/videography, venues, radio, publicity, record labels and more!

More info

NZ Musician Magazine

An online and in-print music journalism magazine.

More info

NZ Music Commission

A government funded organisation that promotes and supports the NZ music culture and economy through amazing resources, upskilling tools, and the Industry Internship Programme to help kickstart careers.

More info

Music Producers Guild

Resources and advocacy to support the NZ production community, offering production advice and networking opportunities to enable producers to sustain long-term careers.

More info

Independent Music NZ

IMNZ celebrates, educates, and advocates for independent artists, managers, publishers, record labels, and distributors by giving them a voice, celebrating them in charts and awards, and providing them with opportunities for development.

More info

Music Managers Forum

Education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for music managers and self-managed artists.

More info

DRM NZ

NZ’s biggest and most experienced digital distributors and digital rights managers for artists to share their content on all major platforms.

More info

Aotearoa Music Industry Collective

Articles and information for emerging artists.

More info

APRA AMCOS

Distributes licence fees to songwriters, composers, and publishers so that artists can earn royalties when their music is used.

More info

MusicHelps

Provide music projects to change the lives of Kiwis in need, as well as emergency assistance, support services, and professional counselling to people in music experiencing hardship or illness.

More info

Graham Candy

Play It Strange alumni Graham Candy has been taking the international festival circuit. Performing at festivals including Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Tomorrowland and Sziget. Graham attended Rangitoto College and in 2008 was a finalist in Play It Strange with his song “Lasts Forever.” Since then he has been churning out the bangers with over 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. We caught up with Graham Candy to chat about his experience in the music industry plus he has some helpful tips on how to solidify your sound as an artist. Graham currently lives in Germany and is working on new music which he hopes to release in time for the New Zealand summer.

Frankie Venter

Play It Strange Alumni Frankie Venter has had a huge year. Frankie was a finalist in the 2022 Play It Strange Year 9- 13 Songwriting Competition with her song 'Lonely Roads.' Since then Frankie has solidified herself as rising star on the New Zealand music scene. Her recent release ‘How You Like Me Now’ made it to number 1 on the Hot NZ Singles Chart. She supported Griff at her Auckland stop on the Vertigo World Tour. Frankie brings the energy and attitude to all her live performances and we're looking forward to seeing where her incredible journey takes her next. Check out out video series with Frankie on how to navigate social media and tips for anyone thinking of entering Play It Strange in the future.

BANDCAMP

View all past Play It Strange albums.

View Bandcamp

Spotify

Listen to Play It Strange radio on Spotify.

Listen to Spotify

Helpful Links

Essential Resources

The music industry can be challenging to navigate, especially for young songwriters just starting out. Whether you’re releasing your first song, applying for funding, or wanting to grow your audience, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of helpful websites and resources to guide you in the right direction.

APRA AMCOS is a vital resource for understanding your rights as a songwriter. They help you manage your music’s royalties, ensuring you get paid whenever your music is played, used, or performed.

Recorded Music New Zealand provides essential support with copyright and licensing, ensuring that your music is protected and properly credited.

Spotify for Artists offers a wealth of tools to track your streams, engage with fans, and promote your music.

Music Helps provides mental health support, offering resources and services to keep you balanced and focused as you navigate the indusrty.

Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) is a great resource for indie artists, offering advocacy, resources, and opportunities to help you grow your career on your terms.

NZ On Air is a vital funding body that supports New Zealand musicians, helping you access the financial backing you need to create, record, and promote your music.

The New Zealand Music Commission is dedicated to supporting Kiwi artists both locally and internationally, offering mentorship, career advice, and funding to help elevate your music career.

DRM NZ (Digital Rights Management) ensures that your music gets distributed to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more while retaining control of your rights and royalties.

Soundcheck Aotearoa is a unique initiative promoting a safe and inclusive music community. They provide resources and initiatives to ensure that the music industry is welcoming, respectful, and accessible for all artists.

We hope these resources are super helpful. Of course, if you ever have any questions regarding your music you can always email us info@playitstrange.org.nz and we will do our best to support you in any way that we can.

APRA AMCOS

The moment you create original music, you own the copyright automatically. APRA AMCOS helps you earn royalties by licensing your music to those who use it.
Read More

Recorded Music New Zealand

Represents recording artists and right holders in Aotearoa through licensing, advocacy and promotion.
Read More

Spotify For Artists

Customize your artist profile, track your streams and audience insights in real-time, and learn how to reach more listeners.
Read More

MusicHelps

Supports hundreds of projects across New Zealand, each using the power of music to change the lives of thousands of New Zealanders in need.
Read More

Independent Music New Zealand

Dedicated to supporting and championing independent Kiwi artists and labels.
Read More

NZ On Air

Supports Kiwi artists by funding the creation, promotion, and discovery of local music.
Read More

New Zealand Music Commission

Provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help artists develop their careers.
READ MORE

DRM NZ 

New Zealand’s leading independent digital distribution service. They help artists and labels get their music onto major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Read More

Soundcheck Aotearoa

Provide resources, support, and initiatives to promote respectful workplaces and ensure everyone in the music community can thrive.
Read More

DAVE DOBBYN

Why
Songs are Important

LYRIC BOOK

The Play It Strange Lyric Books were started in 2016. Coupled with student’s lyrics are ‘inspirations’ that lie behind the lyrics, each written by the songwriter themselves. These are all available as a digital book to share. As you scroll through the lyrics and read about each song, you may also 'click' on the song title to be transported to each track, professionally recorded and mastered.

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